Eurovision Song Contest Boss Teases Format Changes, Launching Pop Music Hits: ‘It’s No Longer Just a Weird Niche Thing’
variety.comK.J. Yossman It’s that time of year again, when Europe and pop music collide in a riotous (and sometimes downright bonkers) display of color, rhythm and fun.
This year, the Eurovision Song Contest is being held in Malmo, Sweden, after Swedish singer Loreen won the 2023 competition.
Ahead of the grand final on Saturday evening, the contest’s executive supervisor Martin Österdahl sat down with Variety to talk about how the show has been inspired by the Oscars, is one of the few platforms left that offers “overnight success” and hopes to be a “beacon of light” during times of geopolitical instability. With this year being the fiftieth anniversary of ABBA performing “Waterloo” at Eurovision – a moment that paved the way for the band to conquer the world – and the competition taking place in the band’s hometown of Sweden, there is a lot of anticipation building for some kind of ABBA reunion.
Can you give us any hints if Bjorn et al will make an appearance? When Eurovision comes to Sweden, the first question is usually is ABBA going to come back?
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